gibknits

It’s been a long, restorative weekend full of fibery fun. Last week I scheduled a meeting for today at 8:30 a.m. A monday morning meeting. What the hell was I thinking? I could use a little treat for the eyes this morning–something to remind me of the beautiful things in life: color, nature, simplicity.

There are still a few north-facing johnny jump-ups that are blooming in the July summer heat, and they make for a perfect piece of Monday Morning Eye Candy.

May you find a little beauty in your day. Enjoy!

Did you think I’d forgotten about the Majolica Bag? There was no way I could forget–it’s been covering my kitchen countertop, and every time I got near it, it would scream to be felted. So…

The felting took place in section stages: the body of the bag, the big flower, the medium & small flowers, and the handles. All sections took 3 full wash & rinse cycles to achieve a nice solid fabric.

After all sections were dry, the flowers were sewn to the body of the bag. This bag will need to be lined, in order to hide my stitching, which is less than neat & tidy. But I sure like the result!

Here’s an upclose shot of those great flowers. The Noni designer who created this flower pattern is a genius!

That’s all I’ve got for right now. I’ve got to get a bobbin of singles spun up today to teach Navajo plying to a group of students during a rainbow dye class tomorrow at my friend Cleo’s shop, The Sheep Shed. Her strength has finally returned after her final chemo treatment in February, and she’s doing GREAT! Here’s to a wonderful weekend for us all–happy knitting, and I’ll feature the rest of the bag when I get it lined. Give me a week or so, ‘k?

Bet you thought I never knit anymore, didn’t you? Hee!

Temperatures this weekend are forecast to reach the low 100’s. The skies above southwest Idaho are cloudless today, so I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if we indeed reach the forecast.

As I see it, I’ve got two choices. Stay inside, do housework and complain about the heat, or use the weather to my advantage.

Choosing the latter, I’ve dug out a project that has been knit-finished for over a month — The Majolica Bag - Vases Full of Flowers (No. 104), from Noni Designs Spring, 2006 collection. In it’s pre-felted state, the bag is huge (hence the cellphone for some size perspective). Today I’ll be felting the body of the bag, then the flowers, then the handles, and letting them air-dry on the back patio. In this heat they should dry pretty quickly. Don’t worry—I won’t put them out in the direct sunlight.

Here’s a photo of what the bag will (???) look like when it’s finished. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it turns out this cute.

Enjoy your Saturday, everyone! Go felt something already!

Helmet, leather jackets and chaps, riding gloves: Oh. My. God. Don’t ask. This stuff is way expensive. Like top-of-the-line spinning wheel expensive. But you just can’t put a price on safety.

Ten gallons of gas at $4.19 per gallon, enabling us to see some of the most beautiful scenery ever: $41.90

Having the time of my life with the man of my dreams: Priceless.

P.S. Just so you won’t think I’ve completely lost my mind….in between work and all this fun & frolic, I’ve put a downpayment on a Schacht Matchless wheel. Oooooh baby!!!!